EU MEP Kouloglou Victim of Pegasus Hack

Stelios Kouloglou, a former member of the European Parliament, was repeatedly targeted by the controversial Pegasus spyware during his tenure as part of an investigative committee addressing the misuse of surveillance technologies. According to a recent report from Citizen Lab, forensic analyses identified his mobile device as a target. The investigation revealed that the attackers may have gained access to sensitive information collected during his work in the committee. Kouloglou was part of a body that examined the use of commercial surveillance tools within the European Union, highlighting the motivation behind the attacks. Citizen Lab, a research group at the University of Toronto, noted that the hacks occurred over an extended period.

The forensic analyses showed that the attacks were carried out in multiple waves, indicating a targeted and systematic approach by the attackers. The Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, is known for accessing mobile devices and extracting extensive data. The software can intercept calls, read messages, and even activate the device's camera and microphone without the user's knowledge. The revelations about the attacks on Kouloglou raise questions about the security of EU lawmakers and their protection against surveillance. Experts warn that such attacks not only jeopardize the privacy of those affected but can also undermine the integrity of democratic processes.

The EU has increasingly taken measures to regulate surveillance technologies in recent years. Nevertheless, the question remains how effective these measures are when advanced spyware like Pegasus can still be deployed without hindrance. Reactions to the revelations have been mixed. While some politicians have called for an immediate investigation, others have expressed concerns about the impact on public perception of surveillance and data protection in the EU. Kouloglou himself described the incidents as alarming and emphasized that such attacks must not be tolerated.

The NSO Group has previously denied that its software is used for illegal activities. However, numerous reports of Pegasus misuse in various countries have led to growing pressure on the company to reconsider its business practices. The revelations about the attacks on Kouloglou are part of a larger trend concerning the use of spyware and its impact on the privacy and security of individuals and institutions. According to a study by Amnesty International, over 50 known cases of Pegasus misuse were documented worldwide in 2025. The EU plans to introduce new regulations on surveillance technologies in 2026 to strengthen the protection of citizens and institutions. However, a specific timeline for the implementation of these regulations has yet to be announced.